Exclusive: Sven In Line For Fulham Job

Sven Goran Eriksson is in line for a shock return to the Premier League with Fulham - if the Londoners lose Roy Hodgson to Liverpool.

The Cottagers still haven't given up hope of keeping Hodgson away from Anfield with so much uncertainty over the future ownership of the club and limited transfer funds available.

But Fulham are making contingency plans should Hodgson depart - and Eriksson has emerged as a strong contender.

Chief executive Alistair Macintosh worked with the former England boss for a season at Manchester City before both men lost their jobs in the summer of 2008.

He is a big admirer of a manager who won championships with Gothenburg, Benfica and Lazio and who took England to successive World Cups.

Eriksson is currently in charge of the Ivory Coast at the World Cup in South Africa. But his contract expires at the end of the tournament and he would relish the chance to work again in England.

The 62-year-old has had brief spells with the Mexican national team and at Notts County since leaving City.

Eriksson still has a home in London and would enjoy a return to the bright lights of the capital and the glamour of the Premier League.

Everything hinges on Hodgson's future. The 62-year-old is working as a television pundit for the BBC at the World Cup and is keen to defuse speculation linking him to Liverpool.

But he remains the No 1 target to succeed Rafa Benitez in the Kop hot-seat after taking Fulham into Europe and to the Europa League final.

It is the kind of challenge that Hodgson would normally relish. But Liverpool have been put up for sale by owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and there is uncertainty about who he would be working for.

A change of ownership would immediately put his appointment in doubt. And Liverpool's £350million debts mean any new boss will have limited funds for new players.

Hodgson would also be on any FA shortlist to replace Fabio Capello as England boss.

Capello's future will hinge on his ability to resurrect England's fortunes at the World Cup following draws with the United States and Algeria.

And the highly-experienced Hodgson would be in the frame to replace the Italian after spells in charge of Switzerland, Finland and the United Arab Emirates.